Individuals with Autism Can Get Work Experience at Ford Through New FordInclusiveWorks Pilot Program
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Ford launches FordInclusiveWorks pilot program to provide individuals
who have autism with an opportunity to gain work experience at Ford -
Program kicks off June 1, and will provide work roles in Ford’s
product development organization -
FordInclusiveWorks supports Ford’s goal to contribute to a better
world, making people’s lives better and helping the communities in
which the company operates
DEARBORN, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Ford Motor Company today announces it is collaborating with Autism
Alliance of Michigan on a pilot program that aims to provide individuals
who have autism with an opportunity to gain work experience with the
company in an on-the-job training program funded by the alliance.
FordInclusiveWorks kicks off June 1. It will provide work roles in
Ford’s product development organization.
“We are committed to making people’s lives better, and this pilot
program has the potential to not only make the participants’ lives
better, but also help Ford be an even more diverse and inclusive
workforce,” says Raj Nair, Ford executive vice president, product
development and chief technical officer. “Autism affects many people in
our communities, and I’m proud we’re taking on this important
initiative.”
Five new positions in product development were created to suit the
skills and capabilities of people with autism. As part of this pilot,
Ford will evaluate participants for future employment, as well as the
program in general. If there is a potential fit, the individual will
enter into Ford’s standard recruiting process.
“Individuals with autism bring a unique set of talents to our business,”
says Felicia Fields, Ford group vice president, human resources and
corporate services. “We recognize that having a diverse and inclusive
workforce allows us to leverage a wider range of innovative ideas to
make our customers’ lives better.”
Through FordInclusiveWorks, individuals with autism will not only gain
work experience, but also contribute to business objectives and enhance
diversity at Ford. The program supports the company’s goal to contribute
to a better world and support the communities in which it operates.
The pilot is beneficial for everyone involved – individuals with autism
will gain work experience that uses their unique skill sets, while the
work they complete will contribute to Ford’s product development efforts.
“We are truly excited to be collaborating with Ford on this pilot
program,” says Colleen Allen, president and CEO, Autism Alliance of
Michigan. “For so many individuals with autism spectrum disorder,
getting and keeping a job is a challenge. Often, companies lack
understanding of the unique characteristics associated with autism,
which can be challenging, and unfortunately this can lead to perceptions
of a poor fit for the individual and coworkers. I applaud Ford for
taking these critical steps to understand autism, and for giving those
who have struggled to find competitive employment real career
opportunities that could be life changing for them.”
For example, in the vehicle evaluation and verification test lab, a
FordInclusiveWorks participant will log and prep tires for test vehicles
used by engineers for product assessment. The work is highly structured,
requires a great deal of focus, and calls for a high level of attention
to detail and organization. Skills required to complete this task safely
and with a high level of quality lend themselves to strengths typically
associated with individuals with autism.
Ford is an equal opportunity employer, and anyone can apply for an open
position at any time at http://corporate.ford.com/careers.htm.
Individuals with autism interested in being considered for future pilot
program opportunities can reach out to Autism Alliance of Michigan for
assistance in preparing for such experiences and workplace success.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford
Motor Company is a global automotive and mobility company
based in Dearborn, Michigan. With about 201,000 employees and 67 plants
worldwide, the company’s core business includes designing,
manufacturing, marketing, financing and servicing a full line of Ford
cars, trucks, SUVs and electrified vehicles, as well as Lincoln luxury
vehicles. At the same time, Ford is aggressively pursuing emerging
opportunities through Ford Smart Mobility, the company’s plan to be a
leader in connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, the customer
experience, and data and analytics. The company provides financial
services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information
regarding Ford and its products worldwide or Ford Motor Credit Company,
visit www.corporate.ford.com.
For news releases, related materials and high-resolution photos and
video, visit www.media.ford.com.
Contacts
Ford Motor Company
Monique Brentley
313.594.3744
mbrentle@ford.com
or
Amanda
Park
313.322.3132
apark5@ford.com
